Koepke Retires as Director of Governor’s Teaching Fellows

Marguerite Koepke retired as the director of the Governor’s Teaching Fellows program (GTF) at the conclusion of the summer symposium this year. Koepke is professor emerita in the College of Environment and Design and had held a courtesy appointment at the Institute of Higher Education (IHE) to lead the program since 2000.

Koepke brought her deep and abiding interest in the art and science of teaching and learning to GTF. She provided guiding direction to both curriculum development and program administration for the fellows. Throughout her tenure, acceptance into the program’s two annual cohorts remained highly competitive.

IHE Director Libby V. Morris said, “Marguerite always brought such energy and enthusiasm to her work with the fellows. She is a valued colleague and will be missed at the Institute.”

At a special reception held in May, alumni of the program returned to Athens from across the state to thank Koepke for her service and support. Several people shared special memories of their time as fellows and the importance of Koepke's genuine interest in their development as educators and overall well-being. They presented the Institute with a plaque in Koepke’s honor that hangs in Meigs Hall.

"It has never been a job, rather it's been a professional gift," Koepke said. "I love the GTF program, and all the wonderful faculty development activities that have enriched my teaching while at UGA. These experiences have cemented relationships with the best teachers in the State of Georgia and in my professional life at UGA."

Governor Zell Miller founded the GTF program in 1995, and the University of Georgia has housed and funded the program since its inception. GTF brings together faculty from public and private postsecondary institutions across Georgia for professional continuing education.

Leslie Gordon, IHE faculty member, will greet the 2019-2020 fellows in September as the program’s new director.